FSU shooting hits near home for alumni and parents

There’s too much violence

The shooter who killed two and six at FSU is the son of a lieutenant, officials say | April 19th

My heart sank when I read the Tampa Bay Times report on Florida State’s mass shooting. I’m a proud FSU graduate. As a student, I spent countless hours with the Student Union. I immediately imagined the fear of studying or eating lunch, and suddenly a shot rang out, screaming in panic.

I’m also a proud university at the University of Florida, so I quickly imagined what my FSU parents were going through. I contacted Gainesville’s son to see if he had heard of it from a high school friend who is currently at FSU. Thankfully, they were all safe.

This event will be a hit near your home. Many of us are FSU alumni, or have family, friends and colleagues who are graduates and current students. Tallahassee is four hours away, but the reality is that it happened in our backyard. This fact can have a negative impact on our sense of safety and can lead to feelings of depression and anxiety.

If you have these feelings, ask for help. Talk to trustworthy family and friends. If you are a person of faith, embrace your beliefs.

Don’t hesitate to seek professional help through a doctor or therapist. You can call 211 at any time to have a confidential conversation. The 211 Line is answered 24/7 by people trained to provide emotional support and connection to helpful resources.

Clara Reynolds, president and CEO of Tampa Bay Crisis Center

I hope for Florida

Florida has won millions, and mostly | April 20th

Unfortunately, if we learn something from the national political scene, we have learned that Republican bases don’t care much about white-collar crime as long as the perpetrator looks like a base. If anything, they would believe that the media is persecuting the DeSantis family.

Patward, St. Petersburg

Free speech

Free speech must win over censorship in anti-Semitism debate | Column, April 16th

guest columnist Howard L. Simon from Bravo. Like Simon, I graduated from City College in New York and grew up in the Zionist family, immigrants from Eastern Europe. His essay on freedom of speech and anti-Semitism concisely and brilliantly sets the case that criticizing the government of Israel’s Netanyahu’s war policy is not anti-Semitism. Such anti-war speeches on university campuses do not break down Jews because of their religion or culture, but try to retain certain governments responsible for their actions adjacent to the genocide. Since October 7, 2023, criticism of Hamas’ brutal murder and the inviting of Israeli and American citizens is the same way that did not imply hatred towards the Palestinians.

There was no free flow of ideas, but we abandon the liberties of the civilians who have maintained our democracy.

Stephen F. Lawson, St. Petersburg

A safer street

Pedestrians at Risk: Too Many People Cross Tampa Bay Street | April 13th

After reading the column “Pedestrians at Risk,” I began to think about busy streets and pedestrians. While stopping at the intersection of Gunn Highway/ Anderson/ Lynn Road, I saw a signal mounted on a wire that crossed all the lanes. And what would happen if there was a “pedestrian monitoring” sign attached to each wire in the center of the traffic light? We all look at the traffic lights when we stop, waiting for the green light. Why not use this prisoner of war audience to remind people that pedestrians are also using this intersection? If it’s “in your face” and often repeats, then it’s likely you remember it, right?

Rohana Chomic, Tampa

Speed ​​limiter

Pedestrians at Risk: Too Many People Cross Tampa Bay Street | April 13th

The mandatory use of governors, speed regulators and speed limiters can significantly reduce the number of speed-related deaths and injuries. Speed ​​limiters help improve safety by preventing drivers from exceeding speed limits and potentially reducing the risk of accidents. It can also be useful in certain situations such as construction sites, school zones, or beginner drivers. A governor or speed limiter prevents the vehicle from accelerating faster than the programmed threshold. The use of these devices is not popular with high-speed drivers and automakers. Because they take macho images from driving experiences. However, these speed limiters can save many lives, injuries and property.

Ronald Zawistovsky, Pinellas Park

Child labor

Florida’s stupid plan to get our “lazy” teenagers to work | April 16th

Columnist John Hill praises him for clearly explaining why rolling back Florida’s Child Labor Laws during the school year could be a disaster. Protecting minors is the duty of adults, especially Congress. More than ever, high school students need a major focus to obtain a high school diploma.

Governor Desantis took lessons from former Governor Bob Graham and was able to schedule several working days where he would do more than simply “talk.” Gov. Desantis gets an F when it comes to protecting high school students in Florida.

Diana Bishop, St. Petersburg

Bond War

China sells US bonds | April 15th

The rising tensions between the US and China are more than political headlines. It’s a financial warning sign. One powerful move in play now is that China sells US bonds, which is already happening.

For years, China has held a large amount of US government debt. This is a loan that the US promises to repay interest. These bonds help fund our government and keep interest rates low. However, if a major owner like China starts selling a large amount, it could shake our economy.

In early 2024, China sold over $53 billion in US Treasury, bringing its holdings to its lowest level since 2009.

China may be responding to rising tariffs from the Trump administration, but this is a dangerous strategy for both sides. The stronger China currency will hurt exports, which will result in a loss situation.

Still, the fear of a “bond dump” alone can rattle investors and the market. The longer this becomes, the more uncertain our economic future becomes.

In my opinion, only President Donald Trump can help stop it. As an important decision-maker in this trade war, he retains the power to shift courses and reduce threats before causing real harm.

Tom Feister, Tampa

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